Whether it’s blood, fingerprints or bullet casings, evidence plays a crucial role in a criminal investigation. Forensic scientists collect, analyze and report on the information found at a crime scene to determine how a criminal event occurred. Law enforcement also gathers evidence by identifying and interviewing witnesses. Managing all of this requires careful coordination and communication among all parties involved.
The first step of any crime scene is securing it from potential contamination. This is done by establishing a perimeter around the scene with barricade tape or other means to keep people away from the area and prevent accidental damage. This is especially important for outdoor or indoor public venues where security may need to include fencing and additional barriers.
Next, investigators conduct a preliminary survey of the crime scene to identify potentially valuable evidence and capture initial photographs. They will also note the conditions, such as lighting, position of doors and windows, temperature of the scene, any smells and other details.
Police and other law enforcement personnel will then create an evidence-free pathway to the primary area of interest at a crime scene. If an investigator or forensic specialist needs to leave the path to perform a duty that cannot be performed at the scene, such as dusting for fingerprints or taking an exhibit, they will carefully document how they left and where they went. This helps establish a chain of custody that documents how an exhibit entered and exited the crime scene.
About the Author
